3.31.15: The Science Of Hedonism & Burying The Dead During An Epidemic

Human beings spend a lot of time satisfying primal urges, but relatively little talking about or studying them. On today’s show, what we can learn by studying hedonism.

Then, at the height of the Ebola epidemic last fall, the hardest hit areas in West Africa not only struggled with containing the virus, but respectfully burying the dead. We’ll take a look at how funeral rites were handled during history’s worst epidemics.

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3.31.15: The Science Of Hedonism & Burying The Dead During An Epidemic

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Sex, Drugs, & Rock 'n Roll: The Science of Hedonism and the Hedonism of Science

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Zoe Cormier is a scientist turned science journalist. Her first book, Sex, Drugs, & Rock ‘n Roll, is a collection of surprising and revealing research into the biology and neurochemistry of hedonism and the human pursuit of pleasure. And while some may wag a finger at those who indulge in sex, drugs, and even rock and roll, Zoe is quick to point out that these indulgences are a vital component in what defines us.

Nor are these specific aspects of our condition that should be repressed.